ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
About 39.92 Lakh Farmers have benefitted from KMS Procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 69611.81 Crore
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pardesh, Maharashtra and Bihar with purchase of over 368.70 LMTs of paddy up to 10.12.2020 against the last year corresponding purchase of 300.97 LMT showing an increase of 22.50 % over last year. Out of the total purchase of 368.70 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 202.77 LMT which is 54.99% of total procurement.
About 39.92 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 69611.81 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 48.11 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States, of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 10.12.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 153791.05 MT of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.826.23 Crores benefitting 86675 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 10.12.2020 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 10.12.2020 a quantity of 4553977 cotton bales valuing Rs.13322.58 Crore has been procured benefitting 887517 farmers.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Outreach program of India International Science Festival organised in National Institute of Biomedical Genomics at Kalyani, West Bengal
Kolkata, 28th September 2018
As a prelude to the main event of 4th Session of India International Science Festival  to be organised in Lucknow from 5th to 8th October 2018, an outreach program was organised in National Institute of Biomedical Genomics  today at Kalyani in West Bengal. Students, Teachers and Scientific research fraternity participated in the programme. More than 100 students from various schools near Kalyani and Kanchrapara area visited NIBMG along with teachers. The program was organised with the objective to introduce young students to modern scientific research and development in the domain of medical science.
The outreach program included inaugural speech from the Prof. Saumitra Das, Director, NIBMG followed by learning and awareness oriented presentation on IISF-2018. The programme endeavoured to provide a platform to create know-how on modern advancements in scientific domain. Blending learning with lab visits was the emphasis and interactive activities were organised for students. Interactive discussion on various topics included on cell and microbiology, molecular biology, genomics and computational biology. During the outreach programme, Laboratory visits included experiments and interactive discussion from the perspective of experimental analyses of data. Special awareness brainstorming sessions for students was a platform to know about latest development in science and technology. The objective of the programme is to bridge the gap between the science in labs and its reach to the common man of the nation. The programme endeavoured to provide a platform to create a know-how on modern advancements in biomedical genomics science and to provide a synergy of the latest technology with digital developments and initiative of the Central Government. Initiatives of the Government of India in various domain was discussed from the scientific perspective so that the development of science and technology becomes all-inclusive for the holistic development of the country.
Special Service and Features
SSC invites applications for Combined Graduate Level Examination-2022
Staff Selection Commission will conduct an open competitive computer-based 'Combined Graduate Level Examination-2022' in December 2022. The exact date of the examination will be decided later. Interested candidates may submit applications online at website https://ssc.nic.in before 11 PM, 8th October 2022. No fees for women/SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Serviceman categories. For more details, candidates may contact helpline numbers 080-25502520,9483862020 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Candidates may also visit the websites https://ssc.nic.in , https://ssckkr.kar.nic.in
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Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates ISRO team on the successful launch of GSLV-F08
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO team on the successful launch of GSLV-F08 with indigenous cryogenic stage.
“Congratulations to ISRO and other stakeholders on the successful launch of GSLV-F08 with indigenous cryogenic stage.
GSAT-6A, a communication satellite, will provide new possibilities for mobile applications. Proud of ISRO for taking the nation towards new heights and a brighter future”, the Prime Minister said.
AKT/KP
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Price Monitoring and Resource Unit set up in Goa under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority 
NPPA has plans to set up PMRUs in all the 36 States/ UTs
PMRUs are expected to strengthen drug security and affordability at regional levels
A Price Monitoring and Resource Unit  has been set up in Goa under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority , Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
NPPA, in coordination with Goa State Drug Control Department has set up a Price Monitoring and Resource Unit on 22, October 2020. This PMRU will function at the State level under the direct supervision of the State Drug Controller for increasing outreach of NPPA. PMRUs are societies registered under the Societies Registration Act having its own Memorandum of Association/ Bye laws. The Board of Governors of PMRU includes the representatives from Central Government and State Government concerned and other stakeholders.
NPPA, under its Central Sector Scheme named Consumer Awareness, Publicity and Price Monitoring  has already set up PMRUs in 15 States/ UTs, viz., Kerala, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra. NPPA has plans to set up PMRUs in all the 36 States/ UTs in the country. The expenses of PMRUs, both recurring and non-recurring are borne by NPPA under the Scheme.
Till now NPPA is headquartered at Delhi and with the setting up of PMRUs in States/ UTs, NPPA shall have outreach at State Level as well.
The PMRUs are expected to strengthen drug security and affordability at regional levels. The primary function of PMRUs is to assist NPPA in monitoring of prices of drugs, ensuring availability of drugs and raising consumer awareness. They act as collaborating partners of NPPA with information gathering mechanism at the grass-roots level. They will render necessary technical assistance to both the NPPA and the respective State Drug Controllers of States/ Union Territories.
NPPA has been working in tandem with State Governments during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure seamless availability of life saving medicines including HCQ, paracetamol, vaccines, insulin and medicines under COVID protocol, including medical oxygen. Working together with State Governments, NPPA has strived to ensure that there is no shortage of drugs throughout the country.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Relief Package for Unemployed Labourers
The global spread of the corona virus  pandemic followed by lockdowns has affected global economies including India. Covid-19 has resulted in large number of migrant workers going back to their native places. In order to mitigate the adverse impact of COVID-19. Government of India has announced an economic package of Rs. 20 Lakh Crore. Aatmanirbhar Bharat which focuses on Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand to create jobs for the youth has also been launched.
Government has launched Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana  for the poor to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Measures are intended at reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with food and money in hands, so that they do not face difficulties in buying essential supplies and meeting essential needs.
Under PMGKY, Government of India is contributing both 12% employer’s share and 12% employee’s share under Employees Provident Fund , totalling 24% for the wage month from March-August, 2020 for all the establishments having upto 100 employees with 90% of such employees earning less than Rs. 15000/-.
Statutory PF contribution of both employer and employee has been reduced to 10% each from existing 12% each for all establishments covered by EPFO for three months.
To boost employment and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers returning to villages, in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak, Government of India has launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20th June 2020. Abhiyaan focuses on developing rural infrastructure and providing modern facilities like internet in the villages. It covers 116 districts of 6 States with a resource envelope of Rs. 50,000 crore to be implemented in a mission mode campaign in 125 days.
Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the Government has earmarked an additional Rs. 40,000 crore under MGNREGS. It will help generate nearly 300 crore person days in total addressing need for more work including returning migrant workers in Monsoon season as well.
Government of India has launched PM- SVANidhi Scheme to facilitate collateral free working capital loan upto Rs.10,000/- of one-year tenure, to approximately, 50 lakh street vendors, to resume their businesses.
The unemployment benefit under the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana being implemented by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation  has been enhanced to 50% from 25% of the average wage, payable upto 90 days alongwith relaxation of eligibility conditions to claim the benefit for insured workers who have lost employment due to COVID-19. The enhanced benefit and relaxed conditions are applicable for the period 24.03.2020 to 31.03.2020.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Drug De-addiction among Women
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has conducted a National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in 2018. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical and scientific aspects of the National Survey.
The report of the Survey establishes that a substantial number of people use psychoactive substances in India, and substance use exists in all the population groups, but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders. As per the report, about 90 Lakh women in the age group of 10-75 years use alcohol, 40 Lakh use Cannabis and 20 Lakh use Opioids.
The Ministry implements a “Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance  Abuse” under which financial assistance is provided to eligible Non-Governmental Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies etc. for, inter-alia, running and maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts . At present, the Ministry supports about 461 IRCAs in the country, out of which 4 are exclusively for women.
Further, under the activities of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction , de-addiction centres for women in Hospitals and other establishments can be established and assisted.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
FSSAI ACTION AGAINST COMPANIES SELLING ADULTERATED FOOD ITEMS
Section 38, Sub-Section  of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provides that where any sample is taken, its cost calculated at the rate at which the article is usually sold to the public shall be paid to the person from whom it is taken. Accordingly, Food Safety Officers while lifting food samples for enforcement and surveillance activities actually purchase it from the Food Business Operators engaged in any food related activities i.e. manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing etc.
The results of enforcement action carried out in a particular financial year are reflected in the Annual Report of FSSAI which is placed in public domain i.e on the website of FSSAI for general information of the public after it is laid in the both Houses of Parliament.
Implementation & enforcement of provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily lies with States/UTs Governments. Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and sampling of food articles including honey is carried out by food safety officials of States/UTs and where the samples are found non-conforming action is initiated under penal provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Action for misleading advertisements/claims is also taken under the penal provisions of the FSS Act.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Infusion of capital by Government in IDBI Bank
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Infusion of Rs 4,557 crore by Government in IDBI Bank.
It will help in completing the process of IDBI Bank’s turnaround and enable it to return to profitability and normal lending, and giving Government the option of recovering its investment at an opportune time.
IDBI Bank needs a one time infusion of capital to complete the exercise of dealing with its legacy book. It has already substantially cleaned up, reducing net NPA from peak of 18.8% in June 2018 to 8% in June 2019. The capital for this has to come from its shareholders. LIC is at 51% and is not allowed to go higher by the insurance regulator. Of the Rs. 9,300 crore needed, LIC would meet 51% . Remaining 49%, amounting to Rs. 4,557 crore, is proposed from Government as its share on one time basis.
After this infusion, IDBI Bank expects to be able to subsequently raise further capital on its own and expects to come out of RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action  framework sometime next year. This cash neutral infusion will be through recap bonds i.e. Government infusing capital into the bank and the bank buying the recap bond from the Government the same day, with no impact on liquidity or current year’s Budget.
Background:
Following Cabinet’s approval in August 2018, LIC acquired 51% stake in IDBI Bank. Government continues to be a promoter and holds 46.46% stake.
The financial parameters of IDBI Bank have improved considerably during the last one year:
- CRAR has improved from 6.22% as on 30.9.18 to 11.58% as on 31.3.19.
- Net NPA ratio reduced from 17.3% as on 30.9.18 to 10.11% as on 31.3.19 and further to 8.02% as on 30th June 2019
- Provision Coverage Ratio  improved from 69%  to 83%  and further to 88% on 30th June 2019
- Synergy with LIC has enabled access to 29 crore policyholders base spread over 3184 branches and also to 11 lakh agents and 2 lakh employees of LIC.
- Rs.500 crore revenue for FY 2020 and Rs.1,000 crore from FY 2021 onwards projected from LIC Synergy.
- Sale of insurance kick-started in March 2019 with Rs.160 crore premium. This momentum has continued with over Rs. 250 Cr premium collection in first four and a half months of this year. FY 2019-20 target is Rs.2000 crore of premium and Rs. 200 crore revenue.
- Additional business anticipated is Rs.5,000 crore  by leveraging LIC agents’ network.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Last date for Indian Panorama entries draws near
As the closing date for entries draws near, 52nd International Film Festival of India  reiterates its call for entries for Indian Panorama, 2021 - a flagship component of the IFFI under which best of contemporary Indian films are selected for the promotion of film art.
The call for entries was opened on 18th July, 2021 for the next edition of IFFI scheduled to be held in Goa from 20th to 28th November, 2021.
The last date to submit applications online is 12th August, 2021, and the last date of the receipt of the hard copy of the online submitted application, along with other requisite documents is 23rd August, 2021. A set of guidelines have to be followed while submitting films for the 2021 Indian Panorama. The date of CBFC or completion of production of the submitted film should be during the last 12 months preceding the festival, i.e. 1st August, 2020 to 31st July, 2021. Films not certified by CBFC and produced within this period can also be submitted. All films must carry English subtitles.
Background:
Indian Panorama was introduced in 1978 as part of the International Film Festival of India to promote Indian Films and India’s rich culture and heritage through the Indian films. The Indian Panorama has ever since been completely devoted to showcasing the best of the Indian films of the year.
The aim of the Indian Panorama, organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is to select feature and non-feature films of cinematic, thematic and aesthetic excellence, for the promotion of film art through the non-profit screening of these films in international film festivals in India and abroad, Indian Film Weeks held under Bilateral Cultural Exchange Programmes and Specialized Indian Film Festivals outside cultural exchange protocols, and special Indian Panorama festivals in India.
Saurabh Singh
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal interacted with the students at KCG auditorium in Ahmedabad
Shri Goyal during the program expressed his views on new dimensions of development
To engage students in a meaningful way to enhance their skills, provide ample opportunities to pursue their dream projects, a series of programs have recently been launched by the state education department. In which an attempt has been made to connect people who play an important role in the field of education, businessmen, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, students, young innovators, startups and intellectual leaders of the society through one medium.
Under such initiative, on 08/10/2018 Gujarat State Education Department organized an interaction session with Shri Piyush Goyal, Cabinet Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India at KCG Auditorium, Ahmedabad.
Through this visit, a program was held to inspire students of various colleges to contribute in the development of the country and also to encourage startups in a way that increases enthusiasm for their contributions and efforts through felicitation. Around 200 students and faculty members along with 10 start-up founders and industry representatives attended the event. Mr. Goyal during the program expressed his views on new dimensions of development through the concerted efforts of academia, business-industry and society. He further said that the results obtained through collaboration with students, youth and startups in the industry sector will be a direct and very positive feedback in the long run which shows the importance of such individual level interactions on a larger scale and expressed the hope that through these efforts, a strong, skilled and empowered future generation will lead the the India to an upliftment and a bright future.
YP/GP/JD
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Production of Ethanol
The ethanol procured for ethanol blended petrol by Oil Marketing Companies  in the last three years is as under:
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Ethanol Supply Year|
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Quantity 
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2016-17
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66.5
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2017-18
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150.5
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2018-19
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|
188.6ESY – Ethanol Supply Year 
Based on the offers received so far from ethanol manufacturers, the amount of ethanol contracted by OMCs for supply during the current ESY is 192.87 crore litre.
National Biofuel Policy -2018 envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol to be achieved by 2030. The ethanol blending depends on the availability of ethanol which further depends on availability of raw material for ethanol production viz, sugarcane, damaged food-grains unfit for human consumption, etc. and supply demand scenario in other ethanol consuming sectors like potable alcohol, pharma, chemical, petrochemicals, etc
Department of Food and Public Distribution  has informed that ethanol produced either from molasses or sugarcane is same and equally beneficial.
The names of major mills which are producing ethanol directly from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup are annexed.
The important measures taken to increase the production of ethanol for blending include:
- Encouraging production of ethanol from sugarcane juice and sugar/sugar syrup.
- Fixing remunerative ex-mill price of ethanol from various feed stocks.
 Extending interest subvention to distilleries.
 Amendment to Industries  Act, 1951, for free movement of denatured ethanol for Ethanol Blended Petrol  Programme.
 Reduction in Goods & Service Tax on ethanol meant for EBP Programme from 18% to 5%.
 Extension of EBP Programme to whole of India except island UTs of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep with effect from 01.04.2019.
 Enhancing ethanol storage at Oil Marketing Companies locations,
 Formulating an “Ethanol Procurement Policy on a longtermbasis under Ethanol Blended Petrol  Programme”.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lok Sabha today in a written reply.